The Kruger National Park has started culling hippo and is considering its options for the buffalo in the park too due to food shortages in the wake of the ongoing drought.

While the park received heavy rain in March, the past season's drought has had a knock-on effect on food supplies and now drastic measures need to be implemented to ensure the well-being of all animals in the park.

This is according to Reynold Thakhuli for SANParks, who confirmed that the culling process has started. So far, 50 hippos have been culled and another 100 may be culled later this year.

200 buffalo may also need to be culled.

“The cull is not because of lack of water," Thakhuli says. "The problem is food."

Many areas of the park, especially the central areas from Skukuza to Olifants River, are still barren, with no grass for animals to feed on.

Typically, during this part of the year, the Kruger's grasslands are plush from the summer rain, and enough to sustain herbivores through the winter months.

In November last year, during the height of the drought, SANParks also issued a controversial statement saying they were not going to intervene in providing drought-affected animals with additional water supplies.

They issued a statement saying they "will remain true to the conservation ethics as the dry conditions continue, managing as far as possible for healthy, naturally regulated ecosystems rather than the survival of individual animals in all the parks".

This meant encouraging a survival of the fittest principle.

According to SANParks, there are currently around 8 000 hippos in the park. From these, around 300 had already died because of last year's drought.

According to Thakhuli, "The meat from the culled animals is currently being sold to staff as the park is in the process of getting their abattoir registered in order to supply hippo meat to needy NGOs around the park."

Elephants are feeling the effects of the drought too, and venturing out of park borders to find alternative food supplies. As a result, elephants are wreaking havoc on roads bordering the Greater Kruger National Parks.

The introduction of mobile applications designed to share information on interesting animal sightings in national parks, particularly in the iconic Kruger National Park, has become a major cause for concern for South African National Parks (SANParks). The rise in the use of these applications has resulted in an increased rate of lawlessness in the Parks including speeding, congestion at sightings as well as road kills caused by guests rushing to and congregating around these sightings.

This is according to SANParks, Managing Executive: Tourism Development & Marketing Hapiloe Sello, who said SANParks has been inundated with scores of customer complaints emanating from the use of these mobile applications.

According to Sello since the arrival of these mobile apps, authorities have received a considerable increase in reports of speeding cases, road kills as well as road rage incidents at sightings. “As an organisation we appreciate the fact that technology has evolved and that guests are taking advantage of it, however this is compromising the values of good game viewing in national parks.”

She said SANParks holds a leading position globally in the conservation of bio-diversity and the management of eco-tourism; it would therefore be regrettable for SANParks to turn a blind eye to trends that reverse the gains made in these fields.”

“Most guests appreciate the leisurely drive through the parks and the potential reward of a good sighting as a key element of the visitor experience. This is an experience that SANParks commits to protecting and therefore the usage of these mobile applications is in direct contradiction to the ethos of responsible tourism espoused by SANParks.”

“We at SANParks discourage the use of these mobile applications as they tend to induce an unhealthy sense of eagerness for visitors to break the rules and, we are exploring legal mechanisms to curtail the use of sightings apps,” concludes Sello.

Follow the movements of Sabi Sabi's sophisticated guests and you will find them to be electronically mobile, online savvy and demanding of fast, instant information at their fingertips. Their briefcases - if they carry one - generally holds a cell-phone, laptop or tablet, and very little in the way of paper!

In line with this trend, Sabi Sabi has abandoned printed brochures and marketing copy and gone 'paperless' as part of an ongoing commitment to minimising the company's environmental footprint.

A stunning electronic e-brochure has replaced the heavy paper booklet, and features magnificent images of the lodges, wildlife and staff at Sabi Sabi. It is beautiful to look at, environmentally friendly and easy to access - available on www.sabisabi.com.

Dozens of social media platforms keep followers updated on happenings at the lodges and keep the safari experience alive. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are just some of the options available to those around the world who follow Sabi Sabi avidly, while the ever popular blog remains a very firm favourite. Updating current bushveld events has become second nature to the team entrusted with writing the exciting Sabi Sabi stories and the number of followers just keeps growing.

A Sabi Sabi app, launched earlier this year, is free for download from the iTunes App Store. It features all the information any guest could need - from the brochure to animal checklists, useful information and interactive applications (available at present for iPad only - click here to link to the Apple Store).

While the Northern hemisphere is in the throes of winter, Sabi Sabi is enjoying another glorious summer with daily temperatures averaging around 30℃. Sunny blue skies greet every morning in the African bushveld, which is lush and green thanks to summer rainfall. Safaris are enjoyed in the pleasant coolness of the early dawn and evening, and the best way to beat the midday heat is to relax in the refreshing filtered waters of one of the lodges' award-winning pools.

Sabi Sabi was recently awarded 2nd place for the best hotel pools in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, a new accolade for our Lodges. With four uniquely beautiful pools between Little Bush Camp, Bush Lodge and Selati Camp, secluded pools at the Presidential Suites; and private plunge pools at each of the Earth Lodge suites, guests are spoiled for choice. Each pool has been designed to capture beautiful views of the bush, allowing bird watching and game viewing to carry on long after the return to camp from safaris.

Bush Lodge has two full sized pools adjacent to the wooden viewing decks; both shaded by indigenous trees and overlooking the unfenced bush and waterhole where animals gather to drink. Selati Camp's pool is set in a wooden deck looking out over the Msuthlu River towards a large grassy plain - perfect for spotting resident wildlife. Both the Mandleve and Ivory Suites offer secluded private pools for relaxing. Guests at Little Bush Camp use a swing-bridge to cross the Msuthlu River, discovering their discretely hidden pool - a picturesque setting surrounded by huge trees that filter the sunlight and provide welcome shade. Guests can also relax in Little Bush Camp's private spa baths which are a beautiful feature on the private deck of each luxurious suite.

Earth Lodge guests have the luxury of their own private plunge pools, intimate and totally secluded, flanked by comfortable pool loungers and with mini bars within easy reach. And, as an added experience, there is the option of enjoying a delicious cocktail or gourmet lunch at a table in the "day bar pool" with bare feet resting in ankle deep water - while being served by smiling, professional staff.

All the outdoor pool areas have luxurious sun loungers, fresh towels and attendant waiters ready to bring sparkling drinks to guests as they enjoy the glorious setting. Relaxing in the summer sun, wallowing in cool water and sipping cocktails surrounded by unspoilt bushveld adds a wonderful dimension to an already unforgettable safari.

The month of February is celebrated as the month of romance. What better place to celebrate this than at one of four award winning luxury safari lodges. African sunsets, dining under the stars, surprise special treats in the lap of luxury added to the excitement of being on safari in open safari vehicles during the magnificent African summer.

For every 3 night stay at any Sabi Sabi lodge during the month of February we would like to treat you to a 60 minute Ikêtla neck, back & shoulder massage at either of Sabi Sabi's two Amani Spas. A relaxing massage with the sensory power of touch and aroma encourages relaxation, and allows the tension to drain from the shoulders, back and neck areas.

Out in Africa Safaris is an exciting new venture, run by the lovely Cecile Auersperg - a well-known Austrian horse enthusiast and accomplished equestrian.

After organising horseback safaris for many years through her company Auersperg Safaris, Cecile has now set up base in the Greater Kruger area to offer exceptional horse safaris in this incredible location.

Off the beaten track, close to nature : Significant distances are often covered on a daily basis, on paths used only by animals. The rides take clients through the bush, onto open plains and along meandering rivers where little is heard, but for the horse’s hooves on the ground and the sound of nature calling. Their qualified and experienced guides are adept at getting riders up close to Africa’s wildlife.

Out in Africa use mainly Boerpherd and thoroughbred crosses that are highly responsive and well accustomed to the terrain and the wildlife in the area. They have horses suitable for all levels of riding, although they will only take riding guests that are confident in all paces.

The Selwane Nature Reserve area is a mixture of broad leafed woodland with Bush willows and Mopane being the dominant trees. This is a habitat well suited to grazing and browsing animals such as giraffe, kudu, impala, wildebeest and zebra. This reserve is in a quiet and peaceful area, mostly surrounded by private game farms and some rural African villages. The Letaba Ranch area, about twenty minutes away, is open to Kruger. Here the Mopane woodland habitat and the Letaba River attracts big herds of buffalo and elephant in the dry season from June to October.

Out in Africa have exclusive use of a 4* luxury lodge during their safaris, which is combined with nights out in the bush at fly camps. At every stop the team will have set up camp and a masseuse will be ready to work away sore muscles after a day in the saddle! Sites are chosen for their natural beauty, safety and ambiance. It is a special experience to spend a day in the saddle out in the wilderness, have a hearty meal and hot shower and then rest snuggly in your tent while the African night unfolds under the brilliant night sky.

The Kondowe Ride6 nights lodge based, 1 night fly camp : Non- dangerous game viewing from horseback and one day game viewing in Kruger NP with the opportunity to see some of the Big 5, including Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Elephant. See sample itinerary on our website.

Rack Rates6 nights €1575 / 7 nights €1800 (extra nights are €90)

Greater Kruger Ride4 nights lodge based, 3 nights fly camp. Game viewing of the Big 5 from horseback. During the ride, guests have the opportunity to ride in the area of Greater Kruger, enjoying a unique safari experience by horseback. See sample itinerary on our website.

Rack rates6 nights €1800 / 7 nights €2400 (extra nights are €90)

For more information on Out in Africa Safaris, do contact Cecile Auersperg at cecile@auersperg-safaris.om or see www.outinafricaencounters.com. Alternatively contact Kamili on 0115-937-7475 or see www.kamilisafaris.com

Please note : We're planning a 2014 fam trip for upto 6 UK Africa specialists. Out in Africa are looking to provide an exceptional safari for a select group of passionate horse-riders.. Dates are yet to be fixed, so if this appeals, please do contact mandy@kamilisafaris.com to express your interest. This is one not to miss!

Significant distances are covered on a daily basis on paths used only by animals. The rides take your clients through the bush, onto open plains and along the meander of the river where nothing can be heard, but the horse’s hooves on the ground and the sound of nature calling.

Their qualified and experienced guides will take riders up close to Africa’s wildlife. Nights are spent at luxury lodges along the route combined with nights out in the bush in mobile-tented camps. At every stop the team will have set up camp ready for the guests and their masseuse will be ready to work away any sore muscles after a day in the saddle, and a skilled cook will prepare delicious meals over the fire.

The horses: Out in Africa use Boerpherd and thoroughbred crosses mainly. They are responsive and well accustomed to terrain and wildlife in the area. They have horses for all levels of riding, although they will only take guests that are confident in all paces.

Where they ride: The Selwane Nature Reserve area is a mixture of broad leafed woodland with Bush willows and Mopane being the dominant trees, this is a habitat well suited to grazing and browsing animals such as giraffe, kudu, impala, wildebeest and zebra. This reserve is in a quiet and peaceful area, mostly surrounded by private game farms and some rural African villages. Their stables overlook a dry riverbed in the middle of the reserve and the lodges are conveniently situated close by.

The Letaba Ranch area, about twenty minutes away, is open to Kruger, here the Mopane woodland habitat and the Letaba River attracts big herds of buffalo and elephant in the dry season, mostly from June to October.

Out in Africa set up fly camps at beautiful scenes in the heart of the bush. Sites are chosen for their natural beauty, safety and ambiance. It is a special experience to spend a day in the saddle out in the wilderness, have a hearty meal and hot shower and then rest snuggly in your tent while the African night unfolds under the brilliant night sky.

Staying fit and healthy while working as a game ranger or tracker in a game reserve is not as easy as it sounds. Forget about putting on a pair of trainers and heading out for a run or hopping onto a bike for a quick ride. Potentially dangerous animals are right outside the door and not even the fittest or fastest runner could ever be a match for a hungry lion or an opportunistic leopard. When they do go on leave, many of the guiding staff make straight for a bike or hiking trail to satisfy their training needs; while others opt for more adventurous pastimes - diving, sailing, fishing, and canoeing - although of course, nothing is quite as adventurous as a Sabi Sabi safari!

The mouth-watering cuisine at Earth Lodge is so sensational that it is easy to overindulge. Over the years many guests have expressed an interest in burning off a few of the "chef-induced" calories and now they have the opportunity of doing just that, thanks to the newly opened gym at Earth Lodge. Glass-fronted and looking out onto the unspoilt bushveld so as not to miss a minute of the action, the gym is a perfect place to exercise.

Small and intimate, the gym can house just a few people at a time and is equipped with a state of the art rowing machine, treadmills, training bike, mats, weights and exercise balls. Sweat towels and bottles of ice cold water are provided; while back at the suite after a workout there is always the promise of a refreshing dip in the private plunge pool or a cool-down under the outdoor shower.